Leopold FC980C

Leopold · 96% · standard height

Leopold FC980C mechanical keyboard
Image courtesy of Leopold

A 96% (1800-layout) Topre electrostatic capacitive keyboard with a compact bezel-light tray mount case, PBT dye-sublimated keycaps, and wired USB only, popular among enthusiasts for its stock sound.

Best for: typing, programming, enthusiast, office.

Leopold FC980C specs

Layout 96%
Height Standard
Connectivity Wired
Hot-swap No
Stock switches Cherry MX Blue, Cherry MX Brown, Cherry MX Red, Cherry MX Black
Keycaps PBT dye-sublimated
Case ABS plastic
Mount Tray
Backlight White / none
QMK / VIA No
Battery n/a
Typical price $259
Sound (stock) deep, thocky stock switches
Released 2016

Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers rather than guesses.

Unverified: specs compiled from manufacturer listings

Stock switches in the database

The Leopold FC980C is offered with these switches. Open a switch page for force, travel, materials, and similar alternatives.

Cherry MX Blue clicky · 60g actuation The Cherry MX Blue is the archetypal click-jacket clicky switch, actuating at 60g with the sharp, jingly click that most people picture when they hear "mechanical keyboard". Cherry MX Brown tactile · 55g actuation The Cherry MX Brown is the classic light 55g tactile that defined the "quiet office switch" category, with a subtle bump that enthusiasts either rely on or mod away. Cherry MX Red linear · 45g actuation The Cherry MX Red is the industry's reference 45g linear, the default gaming switch in countless prebuilt keyboards since its 2008 reintroduction. Cherry MX Black linear · 60g actuation The Cherry MX Black is the original 1984 MX linear, a firm 60g switch whose vintage "broken-in" examples are still hunted by enthusiasts for frankenswitch builds.

Where to buy

No verified retailer link right now (the Leopold FC980C typically sells for around $259). Check Leopold directly or your usual mechanical-keyboard retailers.

Alternatives to the Leopold FC980C

Leopold FC900R full · $124 The Leopold FC900R is a wired full-size Cherry MX keyboard with double-shot PBT caps and internal dampening, widely considered one of the best-built stock full-size boards for office work.
Leopold FC750R TKL · $119 The Leopold FC750R is a no-frills wired TKL with Cherry MX switches, sound-dampened case, and double-shot PBT keycaps, a long-running favorite for typists who value build quality over features.
Leopold FC660C 65% · $220 The Leopold FC660C is a compact 66-key Topre board famous for its capacitive electro-capacitive feel and dense thock, distinct from Leopold's MX-switch FC660M sibling. Compare: Leopold FC980C vs Leopold FC660C

Not sure this is the one?

Answer five questions in the full keyboard database and it narrows every mechanical board we track to ones that match your use case, size, and budget. The Leopold FC980C ships soldered, so choose the stock switch carefully from the switch database.

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